Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in England's Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise place.
The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the tourists will wait until the day of the initial match to decide whether the venue conditions suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected group, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged several previous Tests.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers is still the probable choice.
Alternative Choices Considered
There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the side to provide some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the lower order.
However the coach has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
